“… isn’t anything unusual in a woman keeping a light in her window to guide men folk home, I just happen to keep a bigger light.” Margaret Norvell

Built in 1855., this lighthouse “…looks completely lost and out of place in its landlocked surrounding, like a sad footnote from a bygone era.

This quote speaks of the humility and heroism of Margaret Norvell. In 1903, when the Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse was the only building standing, over 200 people found shelter in her home. After each storm she started the relief funds and helped people get back on their feet.

During one storm, she threw a rope for the crews of both a yacht and a schooner. She provided them with food and shelter for several days.

After every hurricane, the Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse was a refuge for fishermen and others who lost their homes.

Margaret Norvell began her career as a light keeper after her husband downed in 1891 leaving her with two small children. Louis Norvell was the keeper of Head of Passes Light.

Margaret Norvell served as the official light keeper for two lighthouses in Louisiana: Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse, 1896-1924, New Canal Lighthouse, 1924-1932.

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell launched in 2010 honors her. It is based in Miami, Florida.

The Times-Picayune

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